Fudomine's Counterstrategy Against Seigaku's Doubles

As soon as the umpire's words fell, cheers erupted from the Seigaku section.

Their Akutsu Jin had taken the first point for Seigaku in this crucial final.

The Fudomine section, by contrast, had fallen almost completely silent.

Watching Sakurai Masaya and the others help Ibu Shinji back to the rest area, looking battered and defeated, everyone frowned in silence.

Even Muneyoshi, who had been the most relaxed of them all, sighed softly. "There's always one or two singles matches Seigaku just can't afford to lose..."

Shinji struggled to his feet. His expression looked calm enough, but deep in his eyes lingered a gloom he couldn't shake.

He had given it everything, yet he still hadn't seen any way to beat Akutsu...

Muneyoshi, the senior Shinji relied on most, gently patted his shoulder as he looked into his downcast eyes. "You'll definitely get stronger. After all, you're Ibu Shinji, the future pillar of Fudomine..."

Muneyoshi's words made Shinji pause. Then his eyes brightened, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as the gloom in his gaze faded.

"Don't worry, Captain. I'll bring victory to Fudomine. I won't lose again..."

After comforting Shinji, Muneyoshi went over to Tachibana Kippei and handed him his racket.

As Fudomine's vice-captain, Tachibana had a responsibility to win for the team. Muneyoshi didn't need to say anything more.

Tachibana nodded to Muneyoshi, then looked toward the cheering Seigaku players across the court. His eyes blazed anew with fighting spirit.

Seeing his partner give off a dangerous aura, Muneyoshi draped an arm over Tachibana's shoulder and smiled. "No matter who we face, we believe in you..."

Ten minutes later, the announcement sounded over the court again...

"The second doubles match is about to begin. Fudomine Junior High's Tachibana Kippei and Ishida Tetsu will face Seigaku's